State of the week: Rhode Island

Where are we? The Ocean State. While Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union, it does boast the longest official name -- the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The state is also affectionately known by its natives as "Little Rhody." The tiny state is one of the six that makes up the northeast region of New England. It enjoys four seasons, and like the rest of New England, garners the adage, "if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes." That's particularly true in the summer when a lovely day at the beach on the southern coast of the state is liable to be interrupted by a nasty summer squall. When traveling and asked where they're from, many Rhode Islanders are asked, "Oh, Rhode Island in New York, right?" Umm, no. That would be Rhode Island. As in, "Rhode Island" -- not "Long Island, N.Y." (link)